I don’t quite understand the allure of open kitchen shelving. I really don’t. It’s somewhat popular but all-in-all I think it veers toward the absurd. I’m not alone and in the spirit of good fun, I put together a list of these absurdities. Please don’t take offense, my “absurdities” article series is meant to be fun and to provoke thought; it’s not to insult or offend. One of my favorite aspects about design is anyone and everyone can and should have an opinion. FYI, In order to get the perfect imagery, I used A.I. design software to assist.
10. Nobody Wants to See All that Dust All Over Your Dishes and Nobody Wants to Dust it Regularly
Open shelving turns your dishes and appliances into dust collectors. You’ll find yourself constantly battling an invisible enemy, as dust settles on every surface with alarming speed. What was once a beautiful display of your favorite kitchenware becomes a showcase of your dusting neglect. You’ll spend more time cleaning than cooking, and guests will wonder if you’ve intentionally added a greyish filter to your kitchen aesthetic.
9. I Get that Nicely Organized Open Shelves Can Look Good But In Reality Many Will Overload the Shelves Which Can Look So Bad
What seemed like a Pinterest-worthy idea quickly devolves into visual chaos. Every mismatched mug, chipped plate, and oddly-shaped appliance is on full display, creating a cluttered appearance that can overwhelm the senses. Your kitchen starts to resemble a hoarder’s paradise rather than the sleek, minimalist dream you envisioned. You’ll find yourself constantly rearranging items in a futile attempt to create some semblance of order amidst the chaos.
8. Grease Splatter Gets All Over Your Stuff – GROSS
Open shelving near your cooking areas becomes a magnet for grease and food particles. The items on these shelves will require frequent washing, even if unused, as they collect a fine layer of cooking residue. You’ll notice your white dishes slowly taking on a yellowish tinge, and your glassware losing its sparkle. The dream of effortlessly grabbing a clean plate becomes a nightmare of constant rewashing.
7. Pets Tromp All Over Your Dishes
We have two cats. One of clumsy and knocks everything over. If we had open shelving we’d be down a few plates and glasses lol. Your open shelves become an irresistible playground for pets. Cats view them as the ultimate climbing challenge, while dogs see lower shelves as a buffet of tantalizing smells and potential snacks. You’ll find yourself constantly shooing away furry friends and cleaning up knocked-over items. Your kitchen transforms into a pet obstacle course, with your cherished dishes serving as unwitting participants.
6. Potential Temperature and Light Exposure Problems
Items stored on open shelves are subject to temperature fluctuations and light exposure. You’ll notice your wooden utensils drying out and cracking, while your herbs and spices lose their potency faster. Sunlight streaming through windows can fade labels and discolor packaging. Your kitchen becomes a science experiment in preservation techniques, as you struggle to protect your belongings from the elements.
5. You Just Might Not Be Able to Stop Yourself from Rearranging Your Shelves Weekly or Monthly
Open shelving turns you into an compulsive organizer. You’ll find yourself constantly tweaking the arrangement of items, striving for that perfect balance of function and aesthetics. What starts as a simple task of putting away dishes turns into hours of repositioning and color-coordinating. Your kitchen becomes a ever-changing display, with more energy spent on presentation than actual cooking.
4. Clank Clank Clank – Cabinets Muffle Sound When Grabbing Dishware While Open Shelves Don’t
Open shelves do nothing to dampen the sound of clanking dishes and glassware. Every time you grab a plate or return a glass, the noise reverberates through your home. Late-night snack runs become stealth missions as you try to quietly extract a bowl without waking the entire household. Your kitchen acoustics rival those of a percussion studio, with every movement creating its own symphony of clinks and clanks.
3. What Do You Do with Your Ugly Stuff… That’s Right… It’s also on Display
Essential but unsightly kitchen tools have nowhere to hide. Your bulky food processor, the dented stock pot, and the stained cutting boards are all on display. You’ll find yourself relegating these necessary items to inconvenient locations just to maintain the aesthetic of your visible storage. Functionality takes a backseat to appearance, turning your kitchen into a showroom rather than a practical workspace.
2. Moisture and Steam Damage
Open shelving near sinks or stoves exposes your items to moisture and steam. You’ll notice water spots on glasses, warping on wooden items, and potential rust on metal utensils. Your kitchen becomes a microcosm of different climates, with items nearer to water sources aging faster than their drier counterparts. The battle against humidity becomes a constant concern in your open-shelf environment.
1. More Breakage Likely and That’s No Fun
Without the protection of cabinet doors, your dishes and glassware are more vulnerable to accidental knocks and bumps. You’ll find yourself moving with exaggerated care around your open shelves, treating your kitchen like a china shop. The increased exposure leads to more frequent accidents, and you’ll become an expert at sweeping up shards of your once-beloved dishware. Your kitchen transforms into a high-stakes environment where every movement carries the risk of destroying your carefully curated collection.
